Equipment for indicating instruments



Feb. 26 1923. 1,445,842..

, L. A. MAPEL.

EQUIPMENT FOR INDICATIN G INSTRUMENTS.

FILED ocnzs. 1920.

llllrz I eating with the indicating device of the ining; had to thedrawings in which i loss or decrease of the fluid in a second eonarrangement of i an indicating instrument means for obtaining theresults mentioned struinent-to complete installation thereof.

broken or otherwise in proper condition; pl in any 1 f fl id th t mayOccur t;

l l i l l l l l i i i i ii Patented fl, W23, i dig the urnn LEWI$ a.IVIAPEL, or s c. Lonrsiirmsonnr, assrenon TO auroinarrc nrrmnnenCOMPANY, on ST. Louis, r/nissonnr, a oonrona'rron or MISSOURI.

neeir uben'r iron rnnroarrne INSTRUMENTS. Application filed October 25,1920. Serial in). 419,551.

r To alliwhom may concur 1t: 00111111115 fluid are maintained subject toBe it known that 1; Lewis A. l/iliirnn, a the sameconditions which existabove the citizen of the United States, residing at thelevelot' thebodyof fluid. city of Louis and State oi Missouri, Another object of;the invention is to pro 5 have inventeda new and useful lilquipnientvide means for replacing anyloss oi? fluid yt'or Indicating Instruments,of which the fol that may occur in the column of fluid which 6 lowing isa specification. v in communication with the conditions This inventionrelates to equipment tor above the level of the body oi fluid theindicating instrinnents oi the type which are height, depth or quantityo't which is to be 10 used for giving imlication otthe height indicated,and for maintaining an equalized depth or quantity oi fluids or thecontents oi': condition above the level of the fluid the fluidcoutaii'iers. l i Y height, depth or quantitv of which is to be lvlyiiivention i ziinuprises equipment for use indicated, and above thelevel of the fluid at in connection with or asa part-of indicatthesource of said column. f i 15 ing instruments to maintain the instru-Another object oi? the invention is to proments in a condition in whichthey WillBilh viole novel and ellicient means for automaticientlyfunction to obtain the desired results. callycompensatingor replacingany loss of- The subject-matter otthe present'invenfluid thatmay occurat the source ofone oi'" tion comprises means for maintaining proper thecolumns. u 20 communication between the fluid-the height, Other objectswill become apparent from depth orquantityioi which is to be indicatedthe following description, without specific and a continuous column offluid cominunimention thereof at this point, reference bedicatinginstrument, and means for replacing 1 is a view illustrating thegeneral tinuous column offluidftom the indicating when applied to anautomobile to indicate device [to the instrru'uent, and means for theapproximately exact height, depth. or maintaining an equalized conditionabove quantity of liquid "fuel in the supplytank, the level of the flUi(the height, depth or the indicating device being located on the soquantity of which is to indicatechand instrument boardand the presentinvention above the level of the fluid in, the equipbeing); embodied inthe instrument. ment which is comprised Within the present Fig; 2 is avertical sectional view of, an invention. 1 important. element of thepresent invention An object of the invention is to provide showing theconnections tor-filling the inin an efficient and satisfac ory manner- IFig. 8 is asimilar sectional View detached Another objectof theinvention is to profrom the fillin onnections VlClG equipment 01 anindicating iIiStILl- Fig. 119, a plan vimv of the lower part of ment ofthe character mentioned which may th atta h nt how i Fig 2 a d 3 40beziconveniently installed and placed in a Fig.6 is a lower endview ofthe upper condition for use, and whichwill remain in part f th attahment hown i Fi s. 2 suchcondition without the necessity of re d 3 i i ii i i lTlOVal orreiilacemen't 0f Of the parts Fig. 6 is a sectional viewillustrating the thereof, so long as the parts remain un-' device forautomatically compensating or re Another object of the invention is toprothe source otone of the columns otflnid. vide means for maintainingthe source of As showninFi nl, which is a diagram-- one of the columnsof fluid oi": the indicating matic view of the indicating instrument ani I instrument in indirect communication with plied to an automobile theindicating de- 50, the conditions above the level of the hodv of vice Aof theinstrument is supported in a fluid the height, depth or quantityof which position convenient for observation and,asi

isto bei'ndicatecL-by means of which less or shown, this may be on theinstrument hoard decrease ofthe fluid inthe column of fluid of theautomobile In this use of an indiis I replaced, anclhy means of whichboth eating instrumentcontaining the present-i11 vention the instrumentaffords constant indication of the approximately exact height depth orquantity of fluid, and variations in the height, depth or quantitythereof in the supply tank. It will be understood, however, that I donot restrict or limit myself to any particular or specific uses of theinvention.

An important part of the present invention is that shown in Figs. 2 to 6inclusive which has a chamber 1 therein and from which a small pipe 2(Fig. 1) leads to the indicating device A. A passage 3 extends entirelyacross the vertical length of the chamber 1 for communication with thefluid tank B- (Fig. 1). A; projection l from the upper end of the wallof the chamber constitutes means for connection with the tank and has apassage thcrethrough for admitting fluid from the tank into the passage3.

An outlet opening 5 from the passage 3 is in communication with a pipeor pa 6 leading to the indicating device A. so t after the instrumenthas been applied and filled with fluid the indicating device will beaffected by the weight of the fluid in the tank transmitted to theindicating device through the medium of the fluid in the pipe or passage6.

The construction and arrangement of the indicating device A are notclaimed herein. the same constituting the subject-matter of a separateinvention. For present purposes it is suflicient to understand that thetwo columns of fluid, the one in the pipe 2 and the other in the pipe 6,are continuous and unbroken. The source of the fluid in the pipe 2 isthe fluid in the chamber 1. and the weight of the body of fluid in thetanlr B acts constantly upon the column of fluid in the pipe 6 wherebythe indicating instrument is affected.

As shown the member containing the chamber 1 and the passage 3 4: is intwo parts. The upper part constitutes the upper wall of the chamber andis properly fitted in connection with the lower part sot-hat the fluidcannot pass from the passage 3 into the chamber 1 or vice versa.

A passage '7 from the fluid supply tank B above the level of the fluidtherein opens into the chamber 1 through an opening 7 above the level ofthe fluid in 'said chamber. The relative volume of the chamber 1 to, thecombined volume of the passage 2; and its outlet is such that the heightof the fluid in the chamber 1 is not materially changed by maximum eX-pansion or contraction of the fluid in the Dine 2 an iFSQQflQ-h Themethod inwhich the present invention aflec ts the functioning; andoperation of the instrument is more clearly comirehended by includin aconsideration of the manner in which the instrument is installed andplaced in condition for usc. The drawing affords basis for suchwnisidcration.

After the instrument has been mounted and connected up in the mannerabove dc scribed fluid is supplied to the indicating; device A throughthe passages ill 5 and u until the indicating device is complctclvfilled with the fluid so as to exclude all air therefrom, as well fromthe passage 2 the exclusion of the air placing the indicating: deviceentirely under the control of the fluid. Fluid may be supplied to fillthe instrument in any desired way as. from a supply vessel 8, throughthe passage 9 communicating wiih an opening; through the member 10 Fig.tl) roleasably secured within the passage 3 and having discharge outlets11 througrh which the fluid is discharged into the passage In and thenceinto the indicating device I. through the passage (3. The member 10 inchidcs a valve portion 12 which, by contact with an appropriate valvesent 1 3 in the passage 3 closes communication with the vessel 8 whilethe instrument is bcing lillcd. The fluid flows into and completelylills lhc indicating device A and then flows illllUllfIll the pipe 2,excluding: all air from the indicating" device and from the pipe 2. Fromthe pipe 2 the fluid enters the chamber l in which the fluid rises untilit overflows through an overflow opening 14. The overflow of the fluidthrough the opening ll a l fords an indication that the instrum nit isfilled and that no. more fluid is needed to place the instrument incondition for use.

After the instrument has been placed in condition for use the equipmentfor lillinp the instrument is detached by removing the member 10 andclosing the lower end oi the passage 3 by a closure 15 (Fig. 23). Also.the overflow openingl-lis closed by a closure 16.

ll will be seen that in the conslruclion and arrangement abovedcscri'hcd tho fluid in the pipe 2 has its source in the fluid in thechamber 1 which is below the level of the body of fluid in the tank B.which fluid acts upon the fluid in the pipe (l causing the imlicatingdevice .I\ to :liurnish a constant indical ion ot the approximalclyexact heiuhl. depth or rpiauiity of the fluid in the lanl-z Furthermorethe condition in the chambe .1 above the level of the fluid therein ismaintained the same as the condition aborc lhc level of the fluid in thetank B. due to the tact that the passage 7 affords a means tormaintaining the same condition at both laccs. This prevents changes suchas barometric changes. changes in temperature. changes in pressure, orother changes from differently affecting the conditions in the chamber 1and in'the tank B, and also prevents loss or decrease of the fluid inthe ehaml'er 1. It is known that fluid confined lit) uses of theinstrument in which no replacement of the fluid in the chamber 1 isrequired, and in which it is only necessary to replace loss ordecreaseof the fluid initiallyplaced thereinwhen the instrument is installed andfilled.

1n the form of the invention shown in Fig. 6, automatic means isprovided for replacing any lossor decrease of fluid that may occur inthe chamber 1. However, it will be seen by reference to Fig. 6 thatprovision is made for connection of a pipe such the pipe 7 (Fig. 1)there being a part 7 for the attachment of the pipe 7 as in theconstruction first described. Fig; 6 the valve chamberl'? is provided inconnection withthe opening 1 1. The valve chamber 17 may be incommunication with ofthe-fluid in the chamber. 1.

the nozzle 19.

the fluid. in a tank or reservoir C through a pipe 18 which will keepthe valvechamber filled with fluid. A nozzle 19 extends from the valvechamber 17 into the chamber 1 and has its inner extremity turneddownwardly and terminating at about the level When the chamber 1 isfilled with fluid to the proper depth, t is fluid in said chamber sealsthe opening through the nozzle 19 and prevents the chamber 1 frombecoming filled above the desired level according to the-principle thatis well understood As shown, the walls of the valve chamber 17 support avalve 20 which is manipulative to open and to close the passage throughAs shown the tank or reservoir Q isclosed and sealed against thepressure of atmosphere. The pressure above the fluid in the tank C isless than the pressure above the fluid in the chamber 1 and equal to theweight the fluid from the source ofthe fluid in the tank or reservoir (1to the mouth of the nozzle 19. Loss or decrease of fluid in the chamber1 causes opening of the nozzle 19, thereby admitting air from thechamber 1 through the nozzle 19 to the space above the fluid in the tankor reservoir C, thus displacing a sufficient quantity of fluid to flowfrom the tank through the nozzle 19 to automatically replenish loss ordecrease. of fluid in the chamber 1. i

The form of the invention shown in Fig. 6 may be used satisfactorily inconnection with any reservoir or other body of fluid which is whollyopen to atmosphere. In such use of the invention there might occur someloss or decrease of fluid in the chamber As shown in 1, due to the factthat in such use of the invention the air in the chamber 1 above thelevel of the fluid therein would not be maintained suflicientlysaturated to prevent any loss or decrease of fluid in said chamber. Anyloss or decrease of fluid in the chamber that would result in such useof the invention would be automatically compensated or replaced by theconstruction and arrangement shown in 6, comprising the connections tothe reservoir C which operate in the manner above described to conductthe necessary amount of fluid from said reservoir G into the chamber 1.Thus the invention is maintained in an efficiently operative conditionwhether used inconnection with a closed tank such as B (Fig. 1) or inconnection with an open reservoir or body of fluid as described inconnection with Then the fluid in the reservoir C becomes exhausted thesame may be replenished by closingthevalve 20 and removing the cap 21.Fluid is then delivered into the reservoir C after which the cap 21 isreplaced and the valve 20 opened, and the device placed in use.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that the invention servesall of its intended purposes and that it is capable of a wide range ofuses. The utility of the invention is not restricted to a connectionwith a closed tank, nor to a connection with an open reservoir or bodyof fluid. The invention may be used with equal efliciency in any case.

I do not restrict myself to unessential features or limitations, but Icontemplate such variations in the construction and arrangement of theparts as may be found desirable or useful in the different uses to whichthe invention may be applied, and as may be within the scope of theappended claims What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent, isy U 1. In a fitting for anindicating instru ment, a chamber arranged tocontain a quantity of fluid and provided with an open ing below thelevel of the fluid for connection with a pipe, a passage out ofcommunication with the fluid in said chamber and provided with a fillopening with an additional opening for connection with a plpe, means forsupporting the fitting in position to admit fluid from a body of fluidinto said passage through the fitting, and means for replacing loss ordecrease of the fluid in said chamber.

2. A fitting for an indicating instrument, comprising a chamber arrangedto contain fluid at apredetermined level and having a passagetherethrough out of communication with the} chamber and in communicationwith a body of fluid, and means for replacing loss or decrease ofthefluid in said chamber, whereby a substantially invariable quantity offluid. will be maintained in the hamber at all times.

A fitting for an indicating instrument, comprising a chamber arranged tocontain fluid at a predetermined level and having a passage therethroughout of communication with the chamber and in communication with a bodyof fluid, and means for automatically replacing any loss or decrease offluid that might occur in said chamber whereby a substantiallyinvariable quantity of fluid will be maintained in the chamber at alltim s.

A fitting for an indicating instrument, comprising a chamber arranged tocontain a quantity 0t fluid and having an overflow opening determiningthe level of fluid that will be retained in said chamber when the fluidis initially placed in said chamber, and also having a passagetherethrough out of direct communication with the chamber and arranged.to communicate with a body oi fluid outside oi? the chamber, a pipe inconnnuni'cation with the passage through the chamber, means fordelivering fluid into said passage and into said pipe, and a pipe forconducting the fluid into said chamber to the level pe 'mitted by saidover flow opening.

A. for an indicating instrument, compri ing chamber arranged to containa quantity of fluid and having an overflow opening determining the levelof fluid that will be retained in said chamber when fluid is initiallyplaced in said chamber. and also having a. passage out of directcommunication with the chamber and arranged to con'imunicate with a bodyof fluid outside of the chamber, a pipe in communication with thepassage through the chamber, means for delivering fluid into saidpassage and into said pipe, av pipe for conducting the fluid into saidchamber to the level permitted by said overflow opening, and means "forreplacing loss or decrease of the fluid which is placed in said chamber-6. The combination with a fluid supply tank, 01 a fitting for anindicating instrument, comprising a. chamber arranged to contain aquantity of fluid at a constant level, and having a passage out oicommunication with the fluid in the chamber and arranged to communicatewith the fluid in the tank. a pipe in communication with said passage,means for delivering fluid into said passage and into said pipe. a pipefor delivering fluid into said chamber, and a pipe extending from saidchamber above the level of the fluid therein to a. point above the levelof the fluid in the tank maintaining an equalized condition above thelevel of the fluid in the chamber and above the level oi the fluid inthe tank and replacing loss or decrease of the fluid in the chamber.

7. The combination with a fluid supply tank, o'l a fitting for anindicating instru ment. comprising a chamber arranged to contain aquantii x oi fluid at a constant level. and having a passage out ofcommuniation with the fluid in the chamber and arranged to communicatewith the lluid in the tank, a pipe in connnunication with said passage,means for delivering fluid into said passage and into said pipe, a pipefor delivering fluid into said chamber, and means for automaticallyreplacing any loss or decrease oi fluid that mightoccur in said chamber.

8. A fitting for an indicating instruuient. comprising a chamberarranged to contain fluid and having a passage out oi communication withsaid chamber and arranged to communicate with a body of fluid, and alsohaving an overflow opening "for deteru'iining the level of the fluidthat will he retained in the chan'iber when fluid is initially placed insaid chamber, means tor supporting the fltting in communication with afluid receptaclm means for delivering fluid into said passage and intosaid chamher, and means for sailing said passage. and said openingagainst all conditions excepting those existing in the instrument and inthe fluid receptacle.

LElVIS A. M Alllli.

